You can't install Windows directly on most modern Macs, but you have working alternatives
If you need to use Windows software on a Mac, you're facing a real incompatibility: Apple's current processors (the M-series chips in newer Macs) and Intel-based Macs handle software differently. Windows won't install the way it does on a PC. But you have three practical routes: run Windows in a virtual machine, use software that translates Windows programs to Mac, or access a Windows computer remotely. Which one works depends on what software you need and how often you need it.
The oldest Macs with Intel processors could run Windows directly through Boot Camp, but Apple discontinued that option when they switched to their own chips. That's the key thing to understand: your Mac's processor type determines what's possible.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual machines like Parallels Desktop or UTM let you run Windows inside macOS without restarting, though they're slower than native Windows and cost money for the full versions.
- Translation software like CrossOver runs some Windows programs directly on Mac without needing Windows itself, but only works for programs on its compatibility list.
- Remote desktop access through Microsoft Remote Desktop or Chrome Remote Desktop lets you control a Windows PC from your Mac, which works for any Windows software but requires owning or accessing another computer.
- M-series Macs (the newer ones) have fewer options than Intel Macs because fewer tools support the ARM processor architecture.
- You'll need a Windows license key to run Windows in a virtual machine, which costs money separately from the virtualization software.
Virtual machines: Running Windows inside macOS
A virtual machine is software that creates a fake computer inside your Mac. You install Windows on that fake computer, and Windows thinks it's running on real hardware. The advantage: you can switch between macOS and Windows without restarting. The disadvantage: Windows runs noticeably slower because it's sharing your Mac's processor and memory with macOS.
Parallels Desktop is the most popular option for M-series Macs. It costs around $100 for a year of updates, though prices vary by region. You buy the software, install it, then buy a Windows license separately (around $120 to $200 depending on which version). Parallels handles most of the setup automatically. You'll need to provide your Windows product key during installation.
UTM is free and works on both M-series and Intel Macs, but requires more manual setup. You download the Windows installation file yourself (from Microsoft's website), configure the virtual machine settings, and install Windows step by step. It's slower than Parallels and less polished, but costs nothing.
For either option, expect to allocate at least 60 gigabytes of disk space to Windows, plus whatever space your programs need. Your Mac needs at least 8 gigabytes of RAM to run both macOS and Windows comfortably at the same time.
Translation software: Running Windows programs without Windows
CrossOver is software that translates Windows program code into Mac code on the fly. You don't install Windows at all — you just install CrossOver, then install your Windows program into it. CrossOver handles the translation in the background. This is faster than a virtual machine because there's no fake computer running, and it uses less disk space.
The catch: CrossOver only works with programs on its compatibility list. You can check whether your specific software is supported before you buy. Common programs like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and many games work. Obscure business software or programs with heavy copy protection often don't. CrossOver costs around $60 for a perpetual license or $15 per month.
CrossOver works on M-series Macs better than most alternatives because it was designed for Apple's newer chips. If you need to run just one or two specific Windows programs and they're on the compatibility list, this is usually the fastest and cheapest route.
Remote desktop: Controlling a Windows computer from your Mac
Remote desktop software lets you see and control a Windows PC from your Mac as if you were sitting at it. You're not running Windows on your Mac — you're just looking at another computer's screen. This works for any Windows software, no matter how obscure or demanding.
The trade-off: you need access to an actual Windows computer somewhere. That might be your work computer (if your employer allows it), a computer at home, or a rented cloud computer. Microsoft Remote Desktop is free and works well if you're connecting to a work computer or a Windows PC on your home network. Chrome Remote Desktop is also free and works from anywhere with an internet connection, but is slower over the internet.
If you don't own a Windows computer, you can rent one from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure. These cost money per hour or per month depending on how powerful the computer needs to be. For occasional use, this might be cheaper than buying Parallels Desktop and a Windows license.
Comparing the three routes
Each method has different trade-offs depending on your situation. The table below shows the main differences so you can see which fits your needs.
| Method | Cost | Speed | Works with any Windows software? | Requires Windows license? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual machine (Parallels) | $100/year + Windows license | Moderate | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual machine (UTM) | Free + Windows license | Slow | Yes | Yes |
| Translation (CrossOver) | $60 one-time or $15/month | Fast | Only compatible programs | No |
| Remote desktop | Free to $50+/month | Depends on connection | Yes | Depends on setup |
If you use Windows software every day, a virtual machine or CrossOver will feel less clunky than remote desktop because you won't have network lag. If you only need Windows once a month for a few minutes, remote desktop to a work computer might be free and simple. If you need to run obscure or demanding software, a virtual machine is your only may provide option.
What to check before you choose
First, find out what processor your Mac has. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "About This Mac," and look for "Chip." If it says M1, M2, M3, or M4, you have an M-series Mac. If it says Intel, you have an older Mac. M-series Macs have fewer options because fewer tools support that processor type yet.
Second, check whether your specific Windows software is supported. If you're thinking about CrossOver, visit the CrossOver website and search their database for your program. If you're thinking about a virtual machine, any Windows software works, but you should test it first because some programs run slowly or have display problems in virtual machines.
Third, consider how often you'll need Windows and for how long. If it's once a month for 20 minutes, remote desktop to a work computer might be free and simple. If it's every day for hours, a virtual machine or CrossOver will feel less clunky because you won't have network lag slowing you down.
Setting up Parallels Desktop step by step
If you decide to go with Parallels Desktop, here's what the process looks like. Buy Parallels Desktop from the Parallels website or the Mac App Store, then install it like any other Mac program. Open Parallels and click "Install Windows." Parallels will ask you to download Windows — you can let it download automatically, or provide your own Windows installation file if you already have one.
Parallels will then ask for your Windows product key. This is a 25-character code that came with your Windows license. If you don't have one, you can buy it from Microsoft's website during setup. Parallels will create the virtual machine, install Windows, and walk you through Windows setup. This takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once Windows is installed, you'll see a Windows desktop inside a Parallels window on your Mac. You can resize the window, run Windows programs, and switch back to macOS by clicking the macOS desktop or another Mac program. Your files are separate — Windows programs see the Windows file system, Mac programs see the Mac file system — but you can share folders between them in Parallels settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Boot Camp on my Mac?
Boot Camp only works on Intel-based Macs, and Apple removed it entirely when they switched to M-series chips. If you have an M-series Mac, Boot Camp is not an option. If you have an older Intel Mac, Boot Camp is still available, but you'll need a Windows license and about 100 gigabytes of free disk space.
Will Windows run as fast in a virtual machine as on a real PC?
No. Virtual machines share your Mac's processor and memory with macOS, so Windows runs noticeably slower. Simple tasks like web browsing feel normal, but demanding software like video editing or 3D modeling will be sluggish. If speed is critical, remote desktop to a real Windows computer is faster.
Do I need to buy Windows, or can I use a free version?
Windows itself requires a license key, which costs money. You can download Windows for free from Microsoft's website to test it, but after 30 days it will show a watermark and eventually stop working. You need to buy a license to use it permanently. CrossOver is the only method that doesn't require Windows at all.
What if I only need one Windows program?
Check if that program works with CrossOver first — if it does, CrossOver is usually the cheapest and fastest option. If it doesn't, a virtual machine is more expensive upfront but works with any Windows software. Remote desktop is free if you have access to another Windows computer.
Can I run Mac software inside Windows on my Mac?
No. Windows doesn't understand Mac software. If you need to use both Mac and Windows programs regularly, you'll be running them separately — Mac programs in macOS, Windows programs in your virtual machine or through remote desktop.